Tuke, Samuel (1784-1857) Description of the Retreat, an Institution near York, for Insane Persons of the Society of Friends. Containing an Account of its Origin and Progress, the Modes of Treatment, and a Statement of Cases.
York: Printed for W. Alexander, et alia, 1813.
First edition, large paper quarto copy, illustrated with engraved frontispiece of the facade of the Retreat, and two plates showing floorplans; leaves untrimmed, waterstain to corner of frontispiece, title browned; bound in the original boards (bumped, spine damaged with loss); ex libris Sion College Library, with library and de-accession stamps on verso of title; 11 1/8 x 8 3/4 in.
Tuke was a third-generation mental health reformer whose grandfather and father both had a hand in establishing the York Retreat in the late 18th century. The Quaker community objected to the treatment of people held in "insane asylums" in this period, and advocated a moral treatment instead. The Retreat is still in operation as an outpatient facility serving various psychological needs of the community.
Garrison-Morton 4925.1; Hunter & MacAlpine, pages 684-90; Norman 2210.
